iHerb — Director of Trade Compliance

About iHerb

iHerb, LLC (iHerb US) is one of the world’s leading e-commerce destinations dedicated to offering a vast selection of vitamins, minerals, supplements, and other health and wellness products. Supported by a global workforce of 3,000 team members, iHerb US serves more than 10 million global active customers across more than 180 countries and 19 languages. iHerb US’ sophisticated global logistics network is anchored by eight climate-controlled fulfillment centers located in the U.S. and Asia, providing customers with a seamless and reliable shopping experience. Founded in 1996 and based in Irvine, California, iHerb US is on a mission to make health and wellness accessible to all. For more information, please visit corporate.iherb.com.

Job Summary

The Director of Trade Compliance will ensure Company compliance with international trade laws and regulations in global markets.  iHerb sells over 50,000 products in its portfolio, including private-label and manufacturer-branded products, utilizing a network of fulfillment centers and a state-of-the-art e-commerce platform. The Director of Trade Compliance is responsible for ensuring that the Company complies with all applicable laws and regulations, evaluating documentation, reporting metrics for internal audit clearance accuracy, and assisting with corrective actions when necessary. The Director of Trade Compliance will have a deep understanding of Harmonized Tariff Schedules (HTS), Schedule B, Harmonized System Code (HS Code), export and import compliance, and related areas, and serve as the primary contact for internal stakeholders with respect to trade compliance-related matters.    

Job Expectations

  • Utilize expertise in HTS, Schedule B, HS and incoterms classification to accurately classify goods for import/export purposes.
  • Implement, maintain, improve and monitor trade compliance SOPs, training and software for the Company.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify trade compliance issues and assist in implementing corrective actions to address them.
  • Prepare, review, and submit applications for export/import licenses, permits, and other requests for authorization from the U.S. Government.
  • Maintain trade compliance records in accordance with regulatory requirements in global markets. 
  • Review technical data/technology transfers for marking and classification requirements to minimize risk of diversion.
  • Advise management staff about trade compliance aspects and risks of proposed business decisions. Support new process requirements across the Company. 
  • Ensure compliance with registration and license requirements and trade compliance documentation is maintained. 
  • Responsible for compliance matters relating to export classification and import classification and obtaining documentation in accordance with regulations. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required:

  • Have extensive knowledge about Global Customs Regulations, including: NAFTA, International trade compliance, Export Administration Regulations (Title 15, Code of Federal Regulations), Customs regulations (Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations), product classification (HTS), FTA, FDA and other Government regulatory policies and procedures
  • Background in cross-border ecommerce, B2C or direct to consumer business model.
  • In-depth knowledge of export/import laws and regulations and free trade agreements for key markets, including Europe, Middle East, and China. 
  • Proficiency with SAP and strong Excel skills are required for data management, analysis, and reporting purposes.
  • Ability to work in a multinational/multicultural environment with strong global business acumen
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively present to all levels of an organization internally and externally and proactively work and cooperate with other departments, suppliers and customers
  • Demonstrated success with being results and proactive solution driven, with strong ability to think critically to overcome potential business hurdles to complete tasks
  • Courageous, outgoing, analytical, disciplined, agile, and team oriented
  • Willingness and ability to travel periodically if required
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Experience with Google Business Suite (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms) preferred

Experience Requirements:

  • Generally requires a minimum of 10+ years of experience in Trade Regulatory Compliance. 
  • 3+ years of managing others in a matrix organizational structure. 
  • Experience with application of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) software, Customs Info Database, or foreign tariff database. 
  • Demonstrated experience with regulatory inspections. 

Education Requirements: 

  • Bachelors in business administration, international law, or finance
  • MBA or other advanced degree is a plus.

Judgment/Reasoning Ability:  Able to identify, troubleshoot and resolve problems quickly using sound judgment, poise and diplomacy.  Ability to use judgment and reasoning skills, and determine when to escalate issues, as required, in a timely manner.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to talk and hear. The Team Member is frequently required to sit, walk, climb stairs, use hands and fingers, bend, stoop and reach with hands and arms.  Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required to file documents or store materials throughout the work day.  The Team Member may occasionally lift or move office products and supplies up to 25 pounds.  Proper lifting techniques required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

The noise in the work environment is usually moderate. Other factors are:

  • Fast-paced with multi-level distractions
  • Professional, yet casual work environment
  • Office / Warehouse / Remote environment
  • Ability to work extended hours as required

To Apply

Interested, qualified professionals should submit an electronic copy of their letter of interest and their resume to the following search consultants: 

Steve John
Partner
John and Snyder, LLC
steve@johnandsnyder.com
(415) 505-6685
Jason Snyder
Partner
John and Snyder, LLC
jason@johnandsnyder.com
(415) 505-6687

All inquiries and/or application materials sent directly to iHerb will be redirected to John and Snyder, LLC for review, which may cause significant delay in evaluation and response.

On behalf of iHerb, we thank you for your interest in the Director of Trade Compliance opportunity.

Skills

Posted on

April 30, 2024

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